Climate Policy and Communications Manager

RESPONSIBILITES

Track and coordinate relevant funding opportunities for the City, partner government agencies, non-profit and for-profit entities that work in the resilience and sustainability sector as part of the Federal Infrastructure Task Force

Develop the grant applications, reports, and action plans required by State and Federal agencies to access resources dedicated for policies, programs and projects that help the City meet its climate action and resilience goals as part of the Federal Infrastructure Task Force, with a focus on meeting or exceeding the federal Justice40 goals in each grant application

• Advocate on behalf of the city and city partners for Federal, state, and private funding applications and opportunities and manage letters of support for those applications
• Brief government partners and agencies on the goals and priorities of the City’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability, as well as other infrastructure and workforce related departments
• Develop campaigns that build awareness and understanding of environmental issues among New Orleanians and collaborate with the City of New Orleans communications team as needed
• Draft talking points, social media posts, press releases and other communications plans for use by the Mayor, senior leadership or the Mayor’s Office of Communications and manage the office’s website and newsletter
• Manage ORS’ climate data reporting in coordination with the Deputy Chief Resilience Officer, including the City’s biannual greenhouse gas inventory, and plan effective communications campaigns to chart the city’s progress against its climate goals
• Coordinate with colleagues within the Office of Resilience and Sustainability to support the goals of the City’s resilience strategy
• Draft briefing memos to the Mayor, the Chief Resilience Officer, the Deputy Chief Resilience Officer, and executive staff on resilience and sustainability policies, programs, and projects
• Track development of research and best practices nationally and internationally on climate change, risk to coastal cities, and adaptation strategies
• Work with colleagues in the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) to track relevant legislation and policy shifts at the local, state, and federal levels
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, public policy, or related field preferred

• Minimum three years of experience working in government and/or policy development

Familiarity with and commitment to racial equity and environmental justice issues

• Experience writing and applying to federal and state grant opportunities
• Background in climate policy, climate adaptation, and/or resilience

Communications experience, including speaking with members of the press, drafting press releases, and creating talking points.

Excellent writing skills and ability to tailor messages and materials to different audiences

Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills with the ability to solve problems in nuanced situations

Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building relationships with a variety of stakeholders and influence decision-making processes in a diplomatic and collaborative manner.

Comfort with public speaking in varied settings, ranging from working groups to conferences.

Experience managing projects in a team setting, including developing project plans and meeting project milestones.

PLUSES

Experience working with elected officials and staffers.

Experience living and working in New Orleans.

A track record of writing successful federal grant applications.

Experience working within municipal government on policy, particularly related to environment, sustainability, resilience, equity, or public health.

Experience with negotiations, advocacy, politics, and/or inter-organizational cooperation.

Experience working as a consultant to private or public entities.

TRAVEL

This position may require travel outside of the New Orleans metro area less than 5% of the time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Family leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Travel requirement:

• No travel

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Application Question(s):

• Do you have 4+ years of experience in government and/or policy development? (MANDATORY)
• Do you have 4+ years of experience in climate policy, climate adaptation, and/or resilience? (MANDATORY)
• Do you have communications experience, including speaking with members of the press, drafting press releases, and creating talking points? (MANDATORY)

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Governmental Policy: 5 years (Required)
• Grant Writing: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• New Orleans, LA 70112: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person